SWINE flu cases in the North West have gone up for the fourth week, with an increase in the number of people being treated in hospital with flu-like symptoms.
But health chiefs are reporting that the virus is mild to moderate for most people affected.
On October 7 the number of anti-virals collected in the North West was 1,501, up from 1,306 on September 29. And the number of people being treated in hospital has gone up to 62 from 54 a week previously.
Dr Ruth Hussey, regional director for public health has repeated the advice that people who think they may have swine flu should stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus and not attend their local hospital or their GP practice. She said: “If you are normally healthy, the national pandemic flu service is the fastest and most effective way to get advice and treatment if you need it. It’s helping to ease the pressure on GP and hospital services, allowing them to get on with treating people who become poorly or who have other illnesses.”
Some people are more at risk of developing complications, and the advice for pregnant women, those with an underlying health condition, or if the patient is under five years, is to telephone their GP if they think they could have swine flu.
NHS North West has reported that since the outbreak of the swine flu virus in April this year there have been 10 deaths in the North West. The majority of these have had underlying health conditions.
Dr Hussey added, “Whether of not you choose to take anti-viral medication, if your symptoms fail to improve after a few days, or get suddenly worse, telephone your GP for advice.”
Dr Hussey repeated the message that practising good respiratory and hand hygiene is crucial to stopping the spread of the virus. “We need everyone to be vigilant over the next few weeks,” said Dr Hussey. “Using disposable tissues when you cough and sneeze and washing your hands regularly will help to protect yourself, your family and friends and your colleagues.”
Information on the HPA website can be found at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_178075
SWINE flu cases in the North West have gone up for the fourth week,
with an increase in the number of people being treated in hospital with
flu-like symptoms.
Swine flu still increasing
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
